Ashes test for Shropshire bowling duo

Two Shropshire cricket veterans will attempt to continue England’s Ashes stranglehold later this month.

Quatt’s Barry Jones and Andy Parkyn, of Wellington, have been selected to represent England Over-60s against their Australian counterparts at Oakham School in Leicester on July 31.

Alistair Cook’s England side have just completed a 4-0 one-day international whitewash over the old enemy and the Shropshire pair are keen for similar success in the three-match series.

Both have been selected for the second one-day game, which will represent an international debut for Jones. “I’ve always found it a great honour to represent Shropshire Over-60s so words can’t describe how it feels to play for your country,” said the 60-year-old, who has played for Quatt for 45 years.

Parkyn, 62, will be making his second England appearance after his debut last season.

“I played against Wales which was great but I didn’t ever expect to be picked for a game against Australia,” said Parkyn, who spent 15 years with Bridgnorth before moving to Wellington in the 1980s.

The pair, who still play league cricket for their respective clubs on a Saturday, could combine for an all-Shropshire opening bowling pairing for England.